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Tips
For Winter Driving
by: David Maillie
Winter driving
can be hazardous and stressful. Wind, snow, ice and blizzard conditions
increase the normal dangers of driving. There is a lot you can do before
the winter driving season and during a storm to protect yourself and
your family.
Before winter
arrives, have your car inspected to be sure it is ready for the road
conditions. You can do this yourself or take it to a qualified mechanic.
Check the battery, wipers and fluid, thermostat, brakes, ignition system,
antifreeze, exhaust system, lights, oil level, heater and defrosters.
Make sure everything is in good working order to keep you safe throughout
the cold weather.
Check your tires
to be sure they are road ready. Install tires that are appropriate for
the driving conditions. In moderate amounts of snow, all weather radials
will do the job nicely. If you live in a climate where you experience
a lot of snow, consider snow tires. These have better tread to deal
with snow and ice.
Prepare an emergency
kit to keep in the back of your car. This will ensure that you are prepared
in the event that you get stuck in the snow. Things to include in the
kit:
Ice scraper
Small broom
Small shovel
Kitty litter or a bag of sand (to give traction if you get stuck in
snow or ice)
Blankets or a sleeping bag
Flashlight with batteries
Flares or warning triangles
Plastic bags
First aid kit
Tool kit
Jumper cables
Bright cloth to use as a flag
Help sign for back window
Extra hat and gloves
Food and water to sustain you if you get stuck
A book, Bible or Prayer Cards to keep you busy and calm in the event
you get stuck.
Charged cell phone (always carry this, especially in the winter)
Keep your gas
tank at least half full at all times. This adds weight to the car and
will ensure that you won't run out of gas in the event you get stuck.
Driving in the
Snow
Pay attention
to the weather forecasts and road conditions in the winter months. If
the weather is bad, stay home if at all possible. If you must venture
out, travel in the daylight. You are more likely to find help if you
get stuck during the day. Never warm up your vehicle in the garage.
This releases carbon monoxide, which is toxic and can kill you.
When driving,
always wear your seatbelt. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from
the glare of the sun reflecting off the snow. Know your car and how
it handles in the snow. Features like traction control and antilock
brakes can be useful in bad weather conditions. Know how these work
and if your car is new, practice driving it in a snow covered parking
lot before venturing out on the road.
Take it slow,
especially in icy conditions. Don't tailgate and be sure to allow a
safe distance between vehicles. Do everything slowly, stopping, accelerating
and turning. Leave plenty of time and space to maneuver. Sliding and
skidding usually happen when turning, stopping or accelerating. Going
extra slow will ensure your safety.
If the visibility
is low, slow down even more. Consider getting off highways and driving
even slower. This will take you out of the path of large trucks that
can cause accidents. Use only your low beams, as your high beams will
reflect back off the snow and won't increase your visibility. Turn on
your hazard lights to be sure other drivers see you.
In the event
your car gets stuck, don't get out. Put up the hood and tie your cloth
to the antennae. This will make you more visible to emergency vehicles
and other drivers. Keep the windows, air grill and tail pipe clear of
snow. Wrap up in blankets and huddle up with passengers to stay warm.
Run the heat for fifteen minutes each hour to keep from freezing. Move
your body around to stay warm.
Keeping your
car clean throughout the winter is important. Salt on the roads is important
for safety, but will wreak havoc on the finish. If left on for long
periods, it can cause rusting. Wash your vehicle weekly to remove salt
and wax to protect the paint. Salt also leaves a coating on your headlights
that can impair their operation. This will make you less visible to
other vehicles. New Lite Headlight Cleaner and Restorer will return
the lights to like new condition.
About The
Author
David Maillie
is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and
clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes
in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests.
He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for
headlight cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale:
http://www.mdwholesale.com.
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